Director Of Public Policy & Advocacy

About Us

Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare. Since the days of Stonewall, we have been transforming lives in LGBTQ+ communities through excellent comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay. In addition, we are continuously pioneering research, advocacy and education to drive positive change around the world, because we believe healthcare is a human right.

Our Mission

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center provides sensitive, quality health care and related services targeted to New York’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities — in all their diversity — regardless of ability to pay. To further this mission, Callen-Lorde promotes health education and wellness, and advocates for LGBTQ+ health issues.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Public Policy and Advocacy to lead and advance Callen-Lorde’s strategic vision for improving community health through impactful policy development, government relations, and advocacy efforts. This leadership role will collaborate closely with executive leadership, government agencies, coalition partners, and community stakeholders to promote equitable healthcare policies that benefit LGBTQ+, TGNB, and BIPOC communities.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development and Government Relations

• Develop and execute government relations strategies across all levels of government.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments affecting LGBTQ+ health.
• Research, draft, and present policy documents, testimonies, comments, memos, and fact sheets.
• Represent Callen-Lorde in discussions with government agencies and officials.

Advocacy and Community Engagement

• Lead advocacy activities for Callen-Lorde’s patients, staff, and community partners.
• Collaborate with external organizations to build coalitions supporting Callen-Lorde’s policy goals.
• Manage coalition-building efforts, expanding partnerships to support advocacy campaigns.
• Design and implement communication strategies to amplify advocacy messages.

Leadership and Management

• Provide mentorship and supervision to interns and fellows engaged in advocacy initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align advocacy goals with organizational priorities.
• Support long-term strategies to expand policy influence and secure sustainable funding.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position with regular business hours (Monday - Friday). Occasional evenings may be required. Callen-Lorde's main site in Chelsea is open Monday through Saturday.

Benefits:

Salary will be based on experience and will be accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package including an exceptional low cost medical plan option for you, your spouse/domestic partner and/or your family, dental insurance, vision insurance, no cost life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Tuition Assistance, commuter benefits, a generous paid time off plan, and a 403B retirement savings plan.

• Masters’ in Public Policy, Public Health, Community Organizing or related field preferred.
• 7+ years’ experience in public policy, public health, non-profit management, health care management, and/or community organizing.
• 5+ years of leadership/management experience required. 
• Prior experience with non-profit communications, public affairs, and digital engagement strategies.
• Strong familiarity and experience with New York City, State and/or Federal government budget, appropriations, regulatory or legislative process and strategies.
• Governmental lobbying experience preferred.
• Exceptional initiative and enthusiasm to develop short- and long-term policy and programmatic interventions that will improve the health and wellbeing of Queer, TGNB and BIPOC communities.
• Ability to motivate patients, staff and stakeholders to adopt Callen-Lorde mission and vision.
• Strong project management, time management and execution skills; ability to plan, monitor, track, and follow-up to ensure that expected results are delivered on time.
• Experience in a social services or healthcare setting and/or a non-profit organization. 
• Effective communication, presentation, and meeting facilitation skills with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under stress in a dynamic environment effectively.  
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities, with a sharp focus on accuracy and meticulous attention to detail. 
• Strong computer skills and analytical aptitude coupled with ability to collect, manage and interpret large amounts of data in MS Excel and other MS applications. 
• Strategic thinking and planning skills. 

Desired Characteristics  

• Able to toggle between external organizing and advocacy work and internal administrative, programmatic work.
• Ability to successfully interact with internal and external stakeholders. Obtains cooperation from and works collaboratively with peers and management. Embraces problems as opportunities to propose and develop solutions. 
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and proactively expand knowledge and skills by independently researching new areas of expertise. 
• Highly self-motivated, taking initiative to identify needs and respond promptly and effectively. 
• Demonstrate cultural competence and a proven ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ communities and people from various cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. 
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. 
• Commitment to community-based healthcare, understanding its vital role in promoting health equity and improving population health outcomes. 
• Commitment to the mission of Callen-Lorde.